Functional Fitness Assessment: Gait Speed Test
A practical active ageing tool to estimate walking speed using a 10-metre walkway, timing only the middle 6 metres. Enter two trial times to calculate average gait speed and receive educational mobility guidance.
Safety first: Use a flat, dry, non-slippery and obstacle-free walkway. A certified fitness professional, physiotherapist, healthcare staff member, trained caregiver, or responsible adult should supervise where possible. Do not perform the standard test if physical assistance is required to walk. Stop immediately if there is pain, dizziness, chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness, loss of balance, or unsafe movement.
Enter Assessment Details
Set up a 10-metre walkway. Time only the middle 6 metres between the 2m and 8m marks.
Assessment Result
Result appears here after calculation.
Complete the assessment details to receive guidance.
- Enter Trial 1 and Trial 2 times, then click “Calculate Gait Speed”.
Clear Instructions for the 10-Metre Gait Speed Test
Mark the walkway
Set up a 10-metre walkway and mark 0m, 2m, 8m and 10m points using cones or clear tape.
Walk full distance
The senior walks the full 10 metres at usual comfortable pace, using their usual walking aid if normally required.
Time middle 6m
Start timing when the leading foot crosses the 2m mark. Stop timing when the leading foot crosses the 8m mark.
Average two trials
Complete two safe trials. Calculate each speed as 6 metres divided by time, then average the two speeds.
| Average Gait Speed | Educational Interpretation | Suggested Awareness Focus |
|---|---|---|
| < 1.00 m/s | Below 1.0 m/s reference | May suggest reduced physical performance awareness. Consider professional review, strength, balance and safe walking practice. |
| ≥ 1.00 m/s | Equal to / above 1.0 m/s reference | Encouraging functional walking reference if the walk was steady, safe and symptom-free. Continue active ageing habits. |